ElevenLabs vs HeyGen
ElevenLabs is an audio-first tool for voiceovers, cloning and dubbing. HeyGen makes AI avatar videos and lip-synced translations. They overlap on dubbing, but most people need one or the other.
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Quick answer
Pick ElevenLabs if your output is audio: voiceovers, podcasts, audiobooks, narration or dubbing the soundtrack of an existing video. Paid plans start at $6 a month. Pick HeyGen if you need video with a speaking presenter, such as AI avatars or lip-synced translations where mouths match the new language. Paid plans start at $29 a month ($24 billed yearly).
Last updated Pricing checked Oct 2026
Check ElevenLabs pricing (opens in a new tab)Check HeyGen pricing (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| ElevenLabs | HeyGen | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | Starter $6/mo (30,000 credits) | Creator $29/mo ($24 billed yearly) |
| Main job | AI voice: text to speech, cloning, dubbing | AI video: avatars, video translation |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes: three watermarked videos a month, up to one minute |
| Mid plan | Creator $22/mo (121,000 credits) | Pro from $49/mo |
| Higher plan | Pro $99/mo | Business $149/mo plus $20 per seat |
For more voice options, see best AI voice generators.
ElevenLabs vs HeyGen: side-by-side
| ElevenLabs | HeyGen | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | AI voice: text to speech, cloning, dubbing | AI video: avatars, video translation |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes: three watermarked videos a month, up to one minute |
| Entry paid plan | Starter $6/mo (30,000 credits) | Creator $29/mo ($24 billed yearly) |
| Mid plan | Creator $22/mo (121,000 credits) | Pro from $49/mo |
| Higher plan | Pro $99/mo | Business $149/mo plus $20 per seat |
| Dubbing | Dubbing Studio from Starter | Lip-synced translation in 175+ languages and dialects |
| Lip-sync video | No | Yes |
| Best for | Podcasts, audiobooks, narration | Training, marketing and social video |
How much do they cost?
ElevenLabs plans
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Free | $0 |
| Starter | $6/mo |
| Creator | $22/mo |
| Pro | $99/mo |
HeyGen plans
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Free | $0 |
| Creator | $29/mo ($24 yearly) |
| Pro | From $49/mo |
| Business | $149/mo + $20/seat |
What are the pros and cons?
ElevenLabs: pros
- Cheap $6 entry plan
- Wide voice library and cloning
- Dubbing Studio on paid plans
- Good for long-form audio
ElevenLabs: cons
- No on-camera avatars
- Credits run out fast on heavy dubbing
HeyGen: pros
- AI avatars without filming
- Lip-synced video translation
- Templates for training and marketing
HeyGen: cons
- Starts at $29/mo
- Overkill if you only need audio
Which should you choose: ElevenLabs or HeyGen?
If you only need a voice, ElevenLabs is cheaper and more flexible. If you need a face on screen, or translated videos where the speaker’s lips match, HeyGen is the tool. Some creators use both: ElevenLabs for narration and HeyGen for presenter clips. See best AI dubbing tools for Rask AI as well.
Choose ElevenLabs if…
- You make podcasts, audiobooks or voiceovers
- You want the lowest monthly price
- You need a cloned voice for narration
- You only need translated audio
Choose HeyGen if…
- You need an on-screen presenter without filming
- You translate videos with people on camera
- You make training or sales videos at scale
- You want video templates
Dubbing compared
ElevenLabs automatic dubbing uses 2,000 credits per minute with a watermark or 3,000 without, so Starter’s 30,000 credits cover about 10–15 minutes. HeyGen translates video with lip-sync on paid plans. If the speaker isn’t on camera, ElevenLabs is the cheaper route. Read our ElevenLabs review.
Editing your video
Neither tool is a full video editor. Pair them with one from best AI video editors for beginners or Descript alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Is ElevenLabs or HeyGen better?
How much do they cost?
Can I use an ElevenLabs voice in HeyGen?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- ElevenLabs pricing (elevenlabs.io)
- HeyGen pricing (heygen.com)
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